Juanita L Gager

Juanita Gager, 82, of Sanford, Florida passed away peacefully with family by her side on June 13, 2016. She was born in Peoria, Illinois, on June 10, 1934, the third of seven children to parents Owen and Esther Gilman. Juanita graduated from Woodruff High School in Peoria and went to further her education at the Salvation Army Training College in Chicago. While visiting Urbana, Illinois, she met her future husband, Carem, at the Elmwood roller skating rink. She and Carem were married in 1956 in Miami, Florida and demonstrated their love for each other for over 59 years. They moved to Sanford permanently in 1962, raising their family and becoming an integral part of the community. Carem was employed by and eventually retired as a principal in the Seminole County school system. They enjoyed their retirement years together in the Sanford area. Juanita was a full-time homemaker and caring mother to their three children. She enjoyed being a mother and grandmother and took great pleasure in spending time with her grandchildren. Most important to Juanita was her faith in Jesus Christ. She lived out her faith in service to her family, community and through her local church, Gracepointe Church of the Nazarene. She taught Sunday School for many years and used her musical abilities in the church choir and in leading worship. She assisted Seminole County Schools through the Dividends volunteer program and the local prison ministry grading papers for inmates. She also enjoyed sewing and working with ceramics. Juanita blessed numerous lives and encouraged much during her time on earth. She will be missed greatly by all who knew her. Juanita was predeceased by her husband, Carem. She is survived by her three children Wayne (Kathleen) Gager of Sanford, Cindy (Dan) Wyland of Sanford and Shane (Teresa) Gager of Tallahassee, and nine wonderful grandchildren. She is also survived by two sisters and one brother. The family has planned a time of visitation for Saturday, June 18, 2016 starting at 10:00 am at Westview Baptist Church, 4100 H.E. Thomas Parkway in Sanford FL. The service will follow at 11:00 am with committal at Oaklawn Cemetery in Sanford.